On Wednesday April 4th, 2007, approximately 65 people of different Christian faiths gathered at Ste-Anne-des-Pins church for an hour of prayer. This style of ecumenical worship known as "Taizé Prayer" is named after the community and town in France where it was founded back in the 1940's. It is an occasion for Christians of all denominations to unite in peace, prayer and song.

Instrospection and stillness

Today's "life in the fast lane" often creates in us a longing for quiet introspective meditation which is conducive to experiencing God in a very unique way. Quiet moments and reaching for Christ within is what many people long for in order to balance the "high tech" and competitive world we live in. This ecumenical style of prayer gives way to that stillness for which many search. In that special place where God resides within us, our pleas, though silent, are heard and understood. This is where, in tones sometimes unknown to us but well-known to the heart, God speaks the loudest and where we most clearly feel the intensity of God's love for us.

Simple Décor

The dimly lit ambiance, in which Taizé prayer is lived, sets the tone by which one is led to that place of purity reserved solely as the dwelling place of God. Simple but meaningful decor reminds us of the natural beauty of our world. Greenery, terra-cota chimney flues interspersed with the light of dozens of candles as well as icons of Christ's life remind us of our earthly co-existence with the Creator, building a world of peace. People have a choice of sitting in pews or on cushions spread out on the floor.

• Pictures of Taizé gatherings in Sudbury

Multilingual

The use of a multitude of languages is another concept that is used as a unifying agent. There is something to be said about responding to a prayer that might be invoked in a language we might not understand. This is a true sign of community support and the wideness of God's love to the ones invoking and responding to the prayer.

Structure

The Taizé style of prayer has no "presider" though there is a certain structure. Flow is important to Taizé prayer. The assembly's song-prayer is lead inconspicuously by a group of people somewhat interspersed in the assembly. At our last Taizé prayer, a short reading from the New Testament was read in English, French, Spanish and Italian. The readers remain at their seats while reading. Intercessions are sung by cantors who do so from their seats and are responded to by everyone. Members of the assembly are seated for the whole time and face the front which is the focal point. The reason for this is to create the least movement possible so that the meditative ambiance that is needed for this style of prayer may be maintained.

Music is the pivotal part of this special time of prayer. Ostinati or mantra style songs give way to the full participation of the assembly. The music, simply but beautifully harmonized by Jacques Berthier, a member of the Taizé community in France, is the key that facilitates the assembly's participation. The songs' messages such as, "Blessed are the poor for yours is the kingdom of God" or "In the Lord I'll be ever thankful, in the Lord I will rejoice, look to God, do not be afraid, lift up your voices the Lord is near ... " certainly revive the soul. As a member of the actively participating assembly, one can't help but feel unified in prayer with others ... one can't help but express faith in God and in each-other ... one can't help but feel the peace of God permeating the room.

Comments from our third and most recent Taizé prayer experience were very positive. The feelings of peace and unity were among the most frequently mentioned aspects. Fellowship follows the actual prayer time.

How about you?

Are you an individual that could use a bit of meditative time to regroup?

Are you a Christian who hasn't found a community with which you can worship?

Do you want to share your unique gifts with others?

Christians of all walks of life and of all ages are welcome! The whole assembly looks forward to welcoming you to the next Taizé prayer which will be held on Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 in the sanctuary of Ste-Anne-des-Pins church, Beech St. (beside the City Centre) at 7 p.m.

(Would you like to share your gifts in the context of this style of prayer? Are you a singer, keyboardist, classical guitarist, solo instrumentalist or reader ? Great ! Join us for our next rehearsal which will be held on Sunday May 20, 2007 in the sanctuary of Ste-Anne-des-Pins church at 1:30 p.m.)